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AN ILLUSTRATED LARRY MACKLIN SHORT STORY

Mauser the Great Dane is a fan favorite in the Larry Macklin series… But how did he come to join the Macklin family in the first place? Since this is Adams County, you can bet that it involves murder and mayhem!

Larry Macklin is just a year into his job as a criminal investigator for the sheriff’s office when a simple stolen car leads to a dead body… and an abandoned puppy. Not yet cleared to work a murder on his own, Larry is relegated to dog-sitting and investigating a chop shop while his department nemesis, Matt Greene, tries to track down the murderer.

But when Matt is transferred to another case, Larry is soon neck-deep in murder, drugs and gambling rings. Find out how he solves the case, catches the killer… and arranges a pet adoption.

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2019

206 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

A.E. Howe

40 books161 followers
A. E. Howe lives and writes on a farm in the wilds of north Florida with his wife, horses and more cats than he can count. He received a degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and is a produced screenwriter and playwright. His first published book was Broken State; the Larry Macklin Mysteries is his first series and he has plans for more. Howe is also the co-host of the "Guns of Hollywood" podcast, part of the Firearms Radio Network. When not writing or podcasting, Howe enjoys riding, competitive shooting and working on the farm.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
317 (67%)
4 stars
100 (21%)
3 stars
39 (8%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Donalie Beltran.
Author 6 books11 followers
January 19, 2020
I read the entire 10 books in this series. I loved them all. I found this last and read it and was VERY disappointed that it was the FIRST book (short story), not the last. After reading the books, this short story was nothing I didn't already know. You should MAKE IT CLEAR THIS IS TO BE READ FIRST. Since all of the books are named by month, why would we think we are to START with a day? Anyway, the series was awesome. This one was unnecessary.
293 reviews
March 19, 2025
A Very Solid Short Story

This is the second short story I've read in this series. This one explains how the large Great Dane Mauser became part of the family and how he got his name. It also explains how the main character moved from the stolen car division to homicide. Enjoyable, fast paced, interesting, I read it in one sitting. I've discovered two more short stories in this series and once finished with those I will tackle the 21 books in the main series. I anticipate many happy hours and days of entertaining reading.
291 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2021
Everyone loves Mauser

This is an engaging and humorous short murder mystery story. The star is the Great Dane that features in all the books providing comic relief, and in this novella we learn about Macklin’s first homicide case and how Mauser came to be the Sheriff’s beloved pet.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
December 8, 2021

SHORT 0.5 READ IN THIS SERIES (which I love) LOVED THE DRAWINGS. I HAVE THEM ALL, I READ THEM AS A SPECIAL TREAT FOR ME, ESPECIALLY WHEN I’VE READ SOMETHING I DON’T LIKE, THIS SERIES ALWAYS CLEARS MY HEAD AND MAKES ME FEEL BETTER (like a piece of Godiva chocolate). YEP, IT’S MY CHOCOLATE. LOL! ;D
15 reviews
January 1, 2024
Dogs are not optional. They are mandatory.

I love every one of the Larry Macklin stories and this short one is frosting. Mr. Howe, you are a superb artist with your quill/pen/word processor. Writing is easy for me, but I am missing your great imagination. Am so thankful for the pleasure of reading your work.
30 reviews
December 19, 2019
A very enjoyable story.

I found this short story to be interesting and enjoyable . The plot was good and there were many different aspects of each character to consider. I'm looking forward to reading more Larry Macklin mysteries.
74 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2021
Mausers story

Now don't get me wrong, I do love the mystery part of the story but this time it was all about the dog. If he wasn't such a sweetie it would have warmed my heart to have him take a bite out of crime in the end. And I know which end I would have chosen.
2 reviews
February 15, 2021
My favorite author

I love this author. I really enjoy the way the main character, is always aware when something about the person or scene is off. He keeps things moving along at a steady pace. I have the whole series.
125 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2022
Deputy Macklin Short Story: Saturday’s Gift

I read this story after having read the rest of the Larry Macklin Mysteries. It served as the perfect prequel for me. It gave the basis for many of the characters in the series. Highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,626 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2025
wonderful little slice of Larry Macklin’s history

The acquisition of a background prop in the series of the life and times of Larry Macklin, wrapped up in the first homicide assigned to the deputy.
Profile Image for Cheryl Carmoega.
121 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2020
A great short story!!!

Loved the Kaiser story line!!! As always great characters and mystery. Please keep them coming. Can't wait for the next story!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,623 reviews
January 5, 2020
really enjoyed the story of how Mauser came into Larry's life, the illustrations were really cute too...
101 reviews
January 20, 2020
Great story!

I am a big fan of this series. Mauser is a "big" part of the Macklin family and it was nice to learn how he became part of the family.
139 reviews
February 18, 2020
Quick intro to Mauser.

An interesting short story introducing a large puppy to the fold. !ight reading that also adds a little light to the main characters.
Profile Image for Susan Green.
526 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2020
This was a short and very interesting introduction to the series. I found it very enjoyable to read and read it in one sitting. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
1 review
December 21, 2020
Always a pleasure

Your books are a bright spot in my day. I look forward to every one - short stories or novels.
51 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2021
Wonderful series!

This author never disappoints. A fast moving plot, believable characters, mystery, humor, and a lovable Great Dane is a recipe for any reader!
145 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2021
Dog

Loved looking into Mausers' beginning. Oh my would I like to have a turn at spoiling that beautiful animal. So well developed
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
294 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2021
Delightful short.story on the background of Mauser. Also good insight into the other main characters.
Profile Image for Mary C Collins.
1 review
March 7, 2022
The Larry Macklin books

I have read all the books about Larry Macklin they were all interesting. I like reading books in a series. Thank you
3 reviews
April 21, 2022
quick and funny

A quick read with a murder thrown in…and the life of Mauser began! A must read for anyone who likes his books.
51 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2022
Great short story

Was very enjoyable to learn the history behind the great dane in the series easy to paint the picture when reading the series.
Profile Image for Tina.
782 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2024
Saturday's Gift is a prequel to the Larry Macklin series. I've already read almost all of the series and still enjoyed reading this out of sequence.
2,182 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2024
A fun short story that introduces the dog who is a great character. I also like the human characters.
36 reviews
March 3, 2021
This series needs to be a tv show!

I read all of the books in the series but had missed this one which tells how Mauser the great Dane came into Larry's life. I loved this book as much as the others even though it was short. This book series needs to be a television show because I would tune in every week. I hope there are more books coming!!!! I can't wait!
4,417 reviews43 followers
December 8, 2019
“This isn’t one of those murders where there aren’t any suspects.” Mauser helped solve the murderthough - well. Sort of anyway. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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